Welcome to the official blog of TravelComments.com - travelling Southern Africa!

23 July 2009

Ever thought about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro Trek - Lemosho RouteA challenge for the mind, body and soul! Take the less travelled and challenging Lemosho route up to the highest peak in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro. This 10-day trip starts off with a couple long days and as you gain altitude, has several days built in to help you acclimatize, greatly improving your chances of making the summit. Enjoy the climb through magnificent mountain forests and moorland, and emerging into high alpine deserts as you catch glimpses of immense mountain walls, glaciers and icefields - all en route towards your final goal, the Uhuru peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro! [more info & booking]

Kilimanjaro Trek - Marangu RouteAt 5895m, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as Africa's highest peak, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, and the ambition of avid trekkers everywhere! We follow the famous Marangu Route, ascending through a number of different vegetation and climate zones affording fantastic views, so that every day is not only challenging, but also unique and rewarding. This trek of five days, assisted by our experienced team of guides and porters, is highlighted by reaching the summit of Uhuru peak as the sun rises over the African savannah! [more info & booking]

Kilimanjaro Shira Route climbApproaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro by the challenging Shira Route is an exhilarating option for walkers keen to explore less trodden trails and who are comfortable in variable mountain conditions. From the forest and moorland to the caldera of Shira volcano, we explore the fascinating rock formations on the Shira plateau before traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo.We enjoy stunning early morning views of Kibo and our day spent in the rarely visited Lent Hills will be a highlight before we join the main route to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5896m) on the crater rim. The eight day walking itinerary gives maximum possible acclimatisation and flexibility to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery that extends from the volcanic summit to the vast African plains. [more info & booking]

Kilimanjaro Machame RouteThe Machame route is one of the most scenic routes by which to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is less used than the Marangu route and all the better for it.You ascend from the western side of Kilimanjaro and descend down the south face. You pass through tropical montane rainforest to the snows of Kilimanjaro, with views of the western face and the southern icefields.Other routes are available, and we’re happy to quote on these. You might also want to consider adding in an extra on the mountain for acclimatisation. This greatly increases your chances of summiting. [more info & booking]

Kilimanjaro Machame route climbJust three degrees south of the Equator is the 5,895m/19,340ft high, permanently snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. It offers one of the best opportunities in the world to climb a peak at high altitude without needing technical climbing ability. Any normally fit, healthy person prepared for some physical exertion and exercise should be able to complete the ascent to Gillman's Point and then on to Uhuru Peak, the technical summit, this involves approximately 60 km of walking in total, and no technical climbing. The rewards on completing this challenging trek are spectacular scenery, stunning views plus a great sense of achievement.While trekking we are accompanied by a lead mountain guide, assistant guides and porters who carry your bags and take care of all the cooking. For your safety and enjoyment we use a very high ratio of guides to climbers - one guide/assistant guide for every 3 participants. You will only be expected to carry your own water bottle, waterproofs and immediate personal items. [more info & booking]

Kilimanjaro summit walking holidaysEach of the trips below includes a trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. You don't have to be a mountaineer or experienced trekker to reach the summit - anybody with a good level of fitness and plenty of determination stands a chance of success! Each itinerary takes you to the summit by dawn, giving you the opportunity to capture the breath-taking scenes before you.Treks 1-5 are available on any day, for any number of people. If you do not wish to join others and prefer to trek privately please let us know at the time of booking. There is no extra charge for this. If you are happy to join others on trek we try to keep the group sizes to between 5-7 people where possible.Treks 6-8 are group itineraries, which means that you will be joined by fellow travellers.Our prices include transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport and a night in the Springlands hotel before and after your trek. Price also includes meals on the mountain (and safari), breakfast in the hotel & ALL park fees (This does not include tips for the staff). [more info & booking]

Climbing Kilimanjaro, 7 days Machame RouteWe've designed our Kili trek to give the very best chance of reaching the summit, maximum appreciation of the spectacular scenery and wildlife, and an insight into the natural history and cultures of the environments and peoples we meet.Trekkers arriving from low level to climb Kilimanjaro often suffer from altitude sickness if they do not acclimatise properly (lack of fitness is rarely a big problem). We use the Machame Route (with an extra day at Karanga Valley) because it is scenically very attractive, gentler than Marangu or Rongai routes, and provides excellent acclimatisation.Accommodation is camping throughout in 3 person mountain tents shared by two people. All your equipment will be carried by vehicle or local porters, you only carry a day-pack with personal gear. When camping you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments. [more info & booking]

Climb Kilimanjaro, Rongai RouteThe sight of the permanent white snows of Kilimanjaro (5896m) provides a constant source of inspiration when viewed from the vast plains. It is also a natural focus for any fit trekker keen to summit the highest peak in Africa!The Rongai route begins in attractive farmland and delightful forest, with the possibility of wildlife viewing, and passes through several different climate zones, adding considerably to the interest of the trek while at the same time ensuring maximum acclimatisation. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. From the alluring summit of Uhuru Peak (5896 metres), we will have amazing 360° views of the surrounding plains.While the ascent does not require any technical climbing, the trails are demanding and a sound level of fitness and an ability to acclimatise are essential prerequisites before attempting the summit. [more info & booking]